Editor’s Note: Welcome to Portland Monthly’s “Property Watch” column, where we take regular looks at interesting homes on the market in Portland’s super-competitive real estate market (with periodic ventures to the burbs and points beyond, for good measure). This week: A classic coastal A-frame with outdoor shower, sauna, and beach proximity in Arch Cape. Got a home you think would work for this column? Get in touch at [email protected].

In case you’re yearning for a little coastal getaway that has chill and charm to spare, this little A-frame in Arch Cape has you covered. Built in 1969, it has 575 square feet tucked in to that iconic triangular shape, with an open plan and a sleeping loft, and has been remodeled without robbing it of its original appeal. (Note: This home is already pending, but maybe the new owner will put it on the vacation rental market ... hint, hint.)

There are two entrances to this little guy. One feeds into a small room with a built-in bed, and access to the bathroom. The other is at the glass façade. That door opens to the main living area, which is entirely wrapped in wood, including floor, walls, and ceiling, with a bright blue vintage fireplace occupying one corner.

The updated kitchen has simple black cabinets and a butcher-block counter, in keeping with the exterior black color scheme, as well as the bathroom’s, with its black-and-white tile, black vanity, and crisp black faucets.

Up a ship’s ladder is the primary bedroom and sleeping loft, which also has wood floors and wood walls. The sharply angled roof line doesn't leave much room for spare floorspace, but the windows and glass door that lead to a little balcony with far-reaching views more than make up for that.

Back downstairs, an expansive lower deck extends the living space outside. Despite such a petite footprint, this A-frame makes the most of its grassy lot with two other structures: an outdoor shower and sauna.

Being located in the Falcon Cove neighborhood of Arch Cape means the home is nestled in a community that’s dedicated to preserving the natural beauty of the local beach, which is only 50 yards away. For longer hikes, try the neighboring Oswald West State Park, which has four miles of coastline, including the popular surf spot Short Sand Beach, plenty of trails, and 2,484 acres to explore.

Listing Fast Facts:

Address: 44935 2^nd Ave, Arch Cape
Size: 575 square feet, 1 bed / 1 bath 
List Date: 12/3/2021 
List Price: $500,000
Listing Agents: Dennis Laird, Windermere Realty Trust

Melissa Dalton is a freelance writer who has focused on Pacific Northwest design and lifestyle since 2008. She is based in Portland, Oregon. Contact Dalton here.